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Best 5 Solar Companies in Bethlehem, NY
The best solar company in Bethlehem is Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Bethlehem homeowners are privileged to live in ample sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar contractor can help you set up and tune a system that fits your energy needs without costing a fortune. Discover Bethlehem's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making strategies on this page.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
5 Best Solar Companies in Bethlehem
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 17 reviews
AEC Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 51 reviews
Kasselman Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 174 reviews
High Peaks Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 17 reviews
New England Solar + Green
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 81 reviews
Ranking Methodology
Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Bethlehem, keeping in mind the following criteria:
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Bethlehem solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Bethlehem community for over 15 years.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
Facts about Bethlehem
- Average Max Temperature:54°F
- Solar Payback Period:16 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:51%
- Homes Powered by Solar:214
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,042
- Solar Power per Capita:87.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bethlehem Homeowners?
New York homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/all-programs/programs/commercial-property-assessed-clean-energy
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/solar_energy_system_equipment_credit.htm
Incentive Amount:
25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year
Incentive Type:Corporate Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Loan Program
Website:http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/NY-Sun-Financing.aspx
Incentive Amount:
Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000
Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate)
On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2%
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/publications/sales/st_pubs_and_bulls_by_number.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from state sales tax
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt2/sec4_06/sec470.htm
Incentive Amount:
Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487_a.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://ny-sun.ny.gov/
Incentive Amount:
Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are:
Residential:
Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.30/W
Upstate Region: $0.35/W
Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW)
Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.60/W
Up State Region: $0.45/W
Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Ground-Source-Heat-Pump-Rebate
Incentive Amount:
Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton
Incentive Type:Other Incentive
Website:http://greenbank.ny.gov/
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
Tier I: 10,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $3.50/annual kWh
Tier II: 10,000 kWh - 125,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $1.00/annual kWh
Tier III: 125,000 kWh - 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.30/ annual kWh
Tier IV: Greater than 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.15/ annual kWh
These incentives are additive.
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
Incentive Amount:
- Capacity Incentive: Varies on the construction and design of the system
- Performance Incentive: $0.025/kWh production payment for new systems for up to 10 years (estimated using a capacity factor of 75%)
- Interconnection Incentive: up to 75% of the costs exceeding $5,000
- Project Enhancement Incentives: Available for Black Start Capability, Hydrogen Sulfide reduction, design for accepting food waste and others
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bethlehem
The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
New York regulators do not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific regulations and requirements. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Bethlehem and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,250 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,188.21 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $926.81 |
| Thin-Film | $541.83 |
| Solar Battery | $760.46 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,851.71 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bethlehem
Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bethlehem.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.6 years |
| 2 kW | 5.1 years |
| 5 kW | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | 25.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Bethlehem
Most Bethlehem homeowners spend about $1,042 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $798.76 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is on the rise in Bethlehem. Some homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're fortified by a state solar economy with 10740 workers and counting.
Yes, solar energy systems will increase your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you reduce on energy bills, your home value increases by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Today's solar systems are remarkably durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other top-tier models tend to work longer than cheaper models.
A typical Bethlehem solar home has a 4.5-kW panel array, but you might need a bigger system if your energy needs are higher. Solar installers will consider your property's power usage and roof shading to determine the proper system for you.
The average payback period for a solar loan in Bethlehem is 16.0 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.
Even the most respected Bethlehem solar companies will have both glowing and negative reviews. To make the most informed choice possible, focus on these warning signs to know if a company isn't worth your investment:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about cost, warranties, training and credentials and references
- Inflexible options
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
A power purchase agreement is an agreement between you and your provider. They install, own, and maintain the panels, and you buy the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to extend the agreement and buy out early to own your system.
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, the government, specialty lenders and installer. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are higher, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
Sources
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